The Phantom of the Opera (Hollywood Archives Series) - Softcover

Riley, Philip J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1882127331 ISBN 13: 9781882127337

Publisher: Magicimage Filmbooks, 1996

Synopsis

Most people think that they are watching the original Phantom of the Opera on home video or in revival houses. The existing print of the film is actually a silent version of a 1929 dubbed sound reissue, which is missing at least 35 minutes of development scenes, opera scenes, titles and some of the best atmospheric photography and set designs in motion picture history. The present unmasking scene is pale compared to the original. In this comprehensive history of this landmark horror film, author Phil Riley presents the complete, complex production of this amazing film. The 320 page book includes: the complete shooting script, the complete press book, rare behind the scenes photos, and recreations of lost scenes. Contributions by Mary Philbin ("Christine"), cinematographer Charles van Enger, Ray Bradbury, Ron Chaney and more!

About this title

From the Back Cover

What actual events inspired the story? What inspired Chaney's makeup? What was in the hour of footage cut from the film's release that was considered too horrible for audiences in 1925? The answers can be found inside!

"Each page is filled with documented information that will change a few history books. You almost get the feeling that you are part of the 'Golden' years of Hollywood." - Ray Bradbury Endorsed by Chaney Enterprises

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Sixty-nine years ago, Lon Chaney walked out of his dressing room near the newly constructed Stage #28, on the Universal lot. But when he arrived on the screen, he had vanished to be replaced by Erik, the Opera Ghost. Most films in the silent days were made in about six to eight weeks. I imagine that I heard my parents talking about the film. I recognized the name Lon Chaney for he had changed my life forever when I saw him in The Hunchback of Notre Dame that same year.

To a child of three or four, time has a completely different meaning. There are three times; Breakfast time, Lunchtime and Dinner time. So I did not notice that it was a full year before the finished picture came to town around Christmas of 1925. The Opera Ghost had crept into town, shocked the ornaments off all our Christmas trees, and then disappeared. No one ever saw him again for years and years. While he was away, Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Wolf Man, King Kong and an assortment of screen monsters were caught in the silvery spider web of projected light, reflected from a screen and imbedded in the dusty trunk marked "Imagination" somewhere in our brains.

Then suddenly the Phantom returned! Revival houses flashed the title in flickering bulbs. Electronic pulses were shot onto a tube at 30 times a second and little tiny digital numbers on rainbow reflective disks brought him back to haunt us. But wait! The same organ? The same cape? Same lovely Mary Philbin? But! The rat infested catacombs had no rats? The mirrored torture chamber had no lions? The beautiful ballet girls and the Soldiers entrance and the Faust Opera - the evil Satan, Faust and Marguerite were in two -tone Technicolor. Now they are black and white?

But wait here's something familiar. Norman Kerry and Mary Philbin are going to the rooftop of the Opera House to hide during the masked ball. This is a great scene. Now watch. . .hold on a minute. Something horrible must have happened to the two lovers as they ran up the steps. Norman had gained a few pounds and grew some grey hair. Mary must have stopped at the beauty parlor - her hair is shorter and styled differently. Does anyone know what is going on here?

After you finish this book, you will know exactly what had happened.

Edition details

• Publisher: Magicimage Filmbooks
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1882127331
• ISBN 13: 9781882127337
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320